Archive for January 29th, 2010

I ran several errands on Day 45. I ended up near the World Bank then hiked over to Franklin Square, where I found Ryan Z. on Day 42. On my way over, I passed a lunch stand on the corner of 15th and K Street. There was a line 25 people deep. I peered into the stand and I saw a lone man deftly making burritos for the hungry crowd. This place must be good, I thought. I continued on another block to my next appointment. I finished my meeting around 2pm and then crossed Franklin Square to get some paperwork from a friend of my brother’s fiancée. I picked up the paperwork and then started heading back home.

John hard at work at his burrito stand

It was probably 2:30 and I spotted the lunch stand and thought that I ought to check out the place. The line no longer there, the “burrito man” was packing up. I walked up to John and asked him if he would participate in the Year of Giving. He was very busy and agreed on the condition that I am quick. I gave him the $10 and got his name and asked a question or two about his burrito stand, Pedro and Vinny’s. He has been doing this for about 10 years he tells me.

Although in a hurry, he takes time to tell me about the all- vegan bean product, the fresh ingredients, and that he doesn’t use any lard in his preparation. He proudly tells me that his Mango Habanero sauce is now commercially available. Although I had already had lunch, my stomach is screaming at me for a burrito!

I asked him what he was going to do with the $10 and instead of replying he darted out of from behind his stand and looked around. He explained that he was looking for one of the homeless guys who tend to hang out near his stand so that he could give the money to them. I liked his immediate reaction to help someone else out. He went on to say that he gives away 3 or 4 meals a day to those in need. That’s awesome! Good for you John.

“How’s business?” I ask John. He smiles and says that last year was his best year ever! On an average day he sells about 150 burritos. On a good day he sells over 200. At an average of $5-6 per burrito, his customers appreciate a good product at a reasonable price during these challenging economic times. You do the math, and it sounds like John is doing ok too. In fact, his daughter Kristin is opening up her own stand this spring.

I am interested to taste a burrito. I will go back and get one some day. I can almost guarantee you that the food is good though. You don’t get a line like he had on a cold day if you don’t have something tasty!

Pedro and Vinny's Menu

I know that John is in a hurry. He gives me a business card and agrees to follow up with me via email if I have any other questions. I will definitely update you when I go and get my burrito! By the way, I was curious as to why he choose “Pedro and Vinny’s” for the name…I have followed up with John via email and will let you know when I write my review of his burrito.

First of all, today we reached some milestones. Over 3,000 unique visitors to the site and over 6,000 hits. The site is growing much faster than I thought it would…that is great…hopefully people are inspired to do something kind to others during their day.

John (right) and I visit a few days after I gave him my $10

I met up with John from day 40 today. On Day 44 I ran into John from Day 40. He was not the jovial South Carolina native that I met on Saturday. He explained that his brother died on Sunday due to complications related to his diabetes. He had refused to take his medications for an extended period of time and passed away as a result. His sadness quickly dissolved into anger though as he told me about an upcoming court appearance.

He explained that he had served 17 years in prison for murder. I could hardly believe that this gentle giant could have killed another human being. “It was self defense” he explained. I didn’t have my notebook with me so I am relying on my recollection. He said that one day in 1980 he and his father had gone to a store at the intersection of 14th and T in NW, DC. His father, an off duty police officer, was shot in the head outside of the store. Upon hearing the gunfire, he explained that he excited the store, removed his father’s revolver and shot and killed the man.

As much as I want to believe everything that John has told me, I hope that some of this is not true. I can not begin to imagine what it would be like to struggle with so much tragic personal loss. He told me on Day 40 that he had lost two children and his wife as well.

I gave John a dollar from my pocket and walked to do some errands. I told him I would be back by in a while, as I had to walk back the other way to get home. He asked me to stop by on my way back, that he had a favor to ask of me.

When I reached John on my way back, he greeted me with the familiar smile. He asked if I had some more money so that he could get a shirt for his brother’s funeral. I only had $11 on me…$10 of which I needed to give away to someone else. I gave him another dollar and went on my way.

Then I had to find a recipient for Day 44. Would you believe I had a hard time? I first went to a couple who were sitting on the sidewalk around 24th and M Street. Both of them had a crazed look in their eyes. I sensed I was dealing with some people who were on a significant amount of drugs. I proceeded cautiously. I explained what I was doing and asked if they would accept my $10. They were so confused and paranoid that they declined. I went on my way and asked a young lady named Liddy who was walking her dog. She was nice, but said she didn’t feel worthy. So I was off again.

I walked another 6-7 blocks. I came across some potential people, but there was never the right moment to go up to someone and ask them.

I found a woman who was walking next to me and I thought, what the heck, nothing else has worked I am just going to start asking everyone.

Sara initially refused as well. When I explained that if she refused I would have to find someone else, I think I guilted her into it. The 28-year-old Chicago native now lives in DC and is a landscape architect for the US Green Building Council. Her position is an internship and she is actively seeking employment for a full-time position as a landscape architect. I might have a connection or two for her, but if anyone out there knows of something, please post here.

Sara was on her way to watch the State of the Union Address. I asked her what grade she would give President Obama after his first year, and she said an A-. I hope she reads this and will tell us her perspective on his speech.

Sara said that she was a bit undecided on what she was going to do with my $10. She was either going to use it to buy some food to take to her State of the Union party or try to donate it at Miriam’s Kitchen. She is scheduled to volunteer there soon. If you are not familiar with Miriam’s…you should check it out, they are an important organization for the poor and homeless communities in DC. She said she would let me know for sure what she did with it later. I hope she is better than Mark from Day 29…he never got back to me!

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I gave $10 every day for a year. Would you make a $10 donation (that's less than 3 cents a day!) today to help those in need that I have met through the Year of Giving. You will get updates on how your donation is used.